SHORT-SPOKEN Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

short-spoken

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌspō-kən

Definition of short-spoken

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken

Adjective

One died of blunt force trauma and heat stroke, eight others died of heat stroke, and two of the dogs had been cremated and no cause of death was determined, the office said.

— Phil Helsel, NBC news, 11 July 2026
Besides, Beckham practically radiates the sort of star power that dispenses with the need for endless chatter; like Michael Jordan in his Hanes/Space Jam heyday, his physical presence takes precedent over the usual run of blunt-force loquacity.

— Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

Argentina, on the shorter side physically, have relied on occupying the middle of the box and targeting the near post from either side.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 14 July 2026
Despite the short appearance, Caglianone was crowned as a future superstar and someone to watch moving forward.

— Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Germany's World Cup run came to an abrupt end in the Round of 32 after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to Paraguay.

— Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Naval liaison groups have yet to comment on the abrupt U-turns, although the Joint Maritime Intelligence Center repeated on Sunday that Iranian forces continue to harass shipping.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

Homer’s character, notorious as a schemer, here comes off as plain and direct—a gruff, practical tactician, rather than something more energetically inventive and morally dubious.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 July 2026
The New Zealander drew international acclaim for roles as gruff loners and unhinged villains.

— Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 13 July 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Mahmoud Nabavian, an outspoken radical lawmaker, asked on X days before Khamenei’s funeral.

— Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
The remarks drew criticism from Fine, who has emerged as one of Vance’s most outspoken Republican critics on Israel.

— Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of curt

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“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-spoken

adjective

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